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Montembeault trade rumors heat up

October 18, 2026

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The Montreal Canadiens' goaltending situation is under intense scrutiny as Samuel Montembeault's injury raises questions about the team's depth in net. According to The Hockey News, Montembeault is sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during practice, resulting in uncertainty regarding his position on the team.

After a disappointing previous season, where his save percentage dropped to .872 and his goals-against average rose to 3.43, he is now facing competition from Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler. Dobes has struggled for consistency with a 4.63 GAA in his early games this season, while Fowler has emerged as a legitimate contender, posting a 1.91 GAA and winning three consecutive games, including a shutout against the Detroit Red Wings.

Furthermore, as noted by Yahoo Sports, Montembeault is a top trade candidate due to his contract situation, and with Dobes and Fowler stepping up, the Canadiens might look to deal him to a goalie-needy team.

This evolving situation is pivotal for the Canadiens as they navigate their goaltending depth and consider potential trades, impacting their overall performance moving forward.

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